Natural Tissue Flap Reconstruction | Tucson, AZ

What is Natural Tissue Flap Reconstruction?

Natural tissue flap reconstruction is used when there is not enough tissue left on the chest way following a mastectomy or radiation therapy to successfully cover and support a breast implant during reconstruction. In these cases, using skin and fat from other areas of the body such as the abdomen, thighs, or glutes.

Who is a Good Candidate for Natural Tissue Flap Reconstruction?

Individuals who are able to cope well with their diagnosis and treatment, do not have additional medical conditions or illnesses that may hinder the healing process, and have a positive outlook on restoring your breast and body image are often good candidates for natural tissue flap reconstruction. The best way to determine which type of breast reconstruction procedure is right for you is to schedule a consultation appointment at our office today. We will be happy to discuss your options with you to ensure you are comfortable with your decision.

Natural Tissue Flap Reconstruction Procedure

There are a variety of different natural tissue flap reconstruction options available today. These include:

Abdominal-based Flaps

Pedicled TRAM Flap

This flap uses the muscle, skin, and fat from the lower abdomen to reconstruct a breast or breasts. In order for this new tissue to survive, it will need a new blood supply. This blood supply will be supplied by the underlying rectus muscle (also known as a six-pack muscle). The flap will stay connected to your rectus abdominis muscle and is tunneled up through the abdomen to the chest to create a breast.

Free TRAM Flap

This flap also relies on the blood vessels that travel through the rectus abdominis muscle. However, the muscle above and below the blood vessel in this flap is divided, so only a portion of the muscle is removed. The entire flap will be transferred to the chest, and the blood vessels from the muscle are connected to blood vessels in the chest using a microscope.

DIEP Flap

This flap uses the same blower abdominal skin and tissue as the TRAM and free TRAM flap procedures; however, it refrains from disturbing the rectus abdominis muscle and fascia. The small blood vessels that live within the tissue are skillfully identified and dissected through the muscle prior to being divided. Once they are divided, the tissue is then transplanted to the chest and the blood vessels are connected to blood vessels within the chest.

SIEA Flap

This flap uses the lower abdominal tissue and skin, but the blood vessels that supply this flap do not run through the abdominal vessel, but the fat. Because these blood vessels may not be present in all women, this technique is not performed as frequently as other flap procedures.

Thigh-based Flaps

Thigh-based flap procedures are often good options for those with small to medium-sized breasts. These flaps are also known as gracilis-based flaps, which are based on the gracilis muscle, which is located in the upper thigh. During these thigh-based flap procedures, a flap of skin, tissue, and blood vessels from the upper thigh will be moved to the chest to build a breast. Blood vessels will carefully be reattached using microsurgery.

There are a number of different names to describe the location of the donor site incision in the upper inner thigh, including:

TUG Flap

Transverse Upper Gracilis flap

VUG Flap

Vertical Upper Gracilis flap

DUG Flap

Diagonal Upper Gracilis flap

Gluteal-based Flaps

Gluteal-based flap procedures use skin and fat from the buttocks. During this procedure, a flap of skin, tissue, and blood vessels will be moved to the chest to rebuild the breast. Blood vessels are carefully attached using microsurgery. Because there is no muscle used in this technique, an SGAP flap is considered to be a muscle-sparing flap. The two most common gluteal-based flaps include:

SGAP Flap

Superior Gluteal Artery Perforator (located in the upper buttock).

IGAP Flap

Inferior Gluteal Artery Perforator (located at the bottom of the buttocks near the crease).

Natural Tissue Flap Reconstruction Recovery

Following natural tissue flap reconstruction surgery, gauze or bandages may be applied to your incisions. You may also be asked to wear an elastic bandage or support bra to help minimize swelling and support your new breast(s). Be sure to follow your doctor’s specific instructions when it comes to recovery for the best possible outcomes. You will be given specific instructions on how to care for your surgical sites, medications to take, and specific concerns to look out for during recovery.

Contact Us Today

If you are interested in learning more about natural tissue flap reconstruction, contact Tucson Plastic Surgery today to schedule your initial consultation appointment. We will be happy to answer any questions that you may have!